Part 6/18:
He describes how private corporations like Facebook and Google have amassed enormous data, not for public good but driven by profit motives. The Cambridge Analytica scandal demonstrated how data can be exploited for political manipulation, heightening fears of a privately driven, hyper-surveilled society.
Big Tech’s Growth and the Power Imbalance
Within the conversation, there's a critique of business models that prioritize growth and engagement over societal well-being. Companies like Facebook and Google prioritize metrics like time spent and clicks, often amplifying toxic content, conspiracy theories, or divisive rhetoric. This profit-driven model feeds algorithmic amplification, creating echo chambers or radicalization.